What Henry Wallace Said When Truman Fired Him...

September 20, 1946, Washington: Henry Wallace, Truman's Commerce Secretary, received a phone call from the White House. Truman was on the line. According to documented accounts, Truman told Wallace he must resign. Four days earlier, Wallace had given a speech at Madison Square Garden that created a political firestorm. According to the official transcript, Wallace said: "We have no more business in the political affairs of Eastern Europe than Russia has in the political affairs of Latin America." This directly contradicted Truman's foreign policy. Secretary of State Byrnes threatened to resign if Wallace stayed. On September 20th, Wallace submitted his resignation letter preserved in official records: "As you requested, I am herewith submitting my resignation as Secretary of Commerce, to take effect at once. I shall continue to fight for peace." In his public statement that day, Wallace said: "I stand upon the proposition that we can have peace only if we talk sincerely and directly with Russia, and that getting tough will only make it impossible to get along with Russia." Wallace concluded: "I intend to carry on the fight for peace." Two years later, Wallace challenged Truman for president and received only 2.4% of the vote.

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Disclaimer: This video presents historical events based on official records, Wallace's letters, and verified documents. Historical interpretations may vary among historians. Viewers are encouraged to consult multiple sources when studying this period.